"We are the only balloon here from Ireland and we are made to feel so welcome here in Bristol.

"Zack is probably the youngest pilot in the UK and he will be fully qualified on his 17th birthday. At that stage he will be one of the youngest in Europe."

This evening The Last Post will be played on a violin by John Archer, with Paul Sartin of Bellowhead performing a version on the oboe on Saturday night.

For the final rendition, Sarha Moore and Jas Daffu of The Bollywood Brass Band will play the Last Post on the soprano sax and dhol drum.

Virginia Crompton, executive producer of The Last Post Project, said mass performances of the poignant ceremonial call would also take place across the country in November.

"The Last Post Project is honoured to be part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and all of us are delighted to share these versions of the Last Post as part of the First World War centenary," she said.

The 2014 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, a free event, opened at 12pm on Thursday, with a special shapes - featuring a Smurf balloon from Belgium - launch at 6pm.

It will finish at 8.30pm on Sunday, following displays including parachutes, wing walkers and Spitfire and Hurricane planes.